First Egyptian Gowind corvette begins sea trials

The vessel left the French port of Lorient on 13 March. The vessel’s first sea outing was expected to last until 17 March but, according to Mer et Marine, the vessel had to return to Lorient on 15 March after a minor propulsion issue.

In August 2016 shipbuilder DCNS completed assembly of El Fateh (971) at its facility in Lorient, and should deliver the vessel to Egypt by the end of the year.

Another three are being built in Egypt, with Alexandria Shipyard cutting the first steel in April 2016.

The Gowind 2500 has a total length of 102 metres, a width of 16 metres, displacement of 2600 tonnes and a maximum speed of 25 knots. Range at 15 knots is 3 700 nautical miles. Including a helicopter detachment, crew is 65 persons.

The Gowind design selected by Egypt is fitted with DCNS’ SETIS combat management system. A panoramic bridge offers 360° visibility and a single enclosed mast offers 360° sensor visibility. DCNS installed the Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module (PSIM) on the El Fateh in October last year. The mast integrates the SETIS combat management system as well as most sensors of the Gowind corvette.

Egypt’s vessels will be equipped with VL-MICA surface-to-air missiles and Exocet MM40 surface-to-surface missiles as well as a 76 mm gun. The vessels can each carry one medium helicopter (such as the Eurocopter EC 725 Cougar) and will be fitted with a 57 mm gun and torpedo launchers. They are able to launch fast commando boats in under five minutes and have full provision for unmanned aerial and surface vehicles (UAVs and USVs).

In 2014 Egypt ordered the four Gowind 2500 corvettes for around 1 billion euros.